L.B. Brown, Gallery OwnerThe custom picture framing business has long been a male-dominated industry. But L.B. Brown, once an Ebony Magazine Advertising executive, was never one to let anything hold her back. Using her kee...

Ralph Perez - Founder, Xmental Inc.You might not know Ralph Perez, but he is famous. To many, he’s notorious. But to the 60 kids he has helped so far in the Paint Straight program as part of Xmental Inc., Ralph “Tatu-Xmen” Perez is ...

Dheeraj Gayaram, DancerIt is safe to say that Dheeraj Gayaram is a living, breathing example of his work. The best part: his work is his passion. A dancer of various Indian styles, Gayaram has danced for the Queen of Eng...

Chris Distefano, ComedianChris Distefano might have a doctorate in Physical Therapy, but he's a master at comedy. The 26-year-old comedian has quickly climbed up the ladder in the comedy business since his official start f...

Aaron Barlow, Professor & AuthorCity Tech professor Aaron Barlow has his own take on volunteering for Peace Corps in Africa. To mark the organization's 50th anniversary this year, Barlow edited “One Hand Does Not Catch a Buffalo:...

Sade Aguilla, Student ChefSade Aguilla has literally cooked her way to the top. The 17-year-old high school senior recently landed a full scholarship to Monroe College to study in the Hospitality Management and Culinary Art...

Daniel Scarpati, Graduating Senior/Christ the KingChrist the King Regional High School senior Daniel Scarpati (pictured on the left) is an aspiring film director with an impressive list of credentials already under his belt. He’s been co-editor of...

Joe Curcio
President, Italian Board of GuardiansAs the Italian Board of Guardians changes with the times, the little-known but beloved social service organization is mindful of its long and storied past. That is most true this month, as the nonp...

Wes Jackson, Brooklyn Bodega founder
A bodega in Brooklyn is not unheard of - selling everything from food and beer to calling cards and stockings. But what about a bodega that dishes out the latest in hip hop culture and brings consu...

Brian Ferreira, BCAP DirectorFor Brian Ferreira, the director of Brooklyn Cultural Adventures Program (BCAP), the most rewarding thing about teaching is helping children discover their own talents. When he first started teachi...

Lucy Palacios, Market FounderLucy Palacios did the corporate thing all of her life. But after being in that world for so long, she decided last year to explore her more creative side. She started a market in Jackson Heights th...

The FBI on Tuesday identified the driver of a car who was killed when he refused police orders to turn back from a gate at the National Security Agency headquarters outside Washington. Ricky Shawatza Hall, 27, was shot by police Monday at the heavily-guarded entrance to the US eavesdropping agency at Fort Meade, Maryland, the FBI said in a statement. Another passenger in the car was being treated at a local hospital, and an NSA police officer was treated for injuries and released. Authorities were carrying out an investigation of the incident and collecting evidence, but the FBI's Baltimore office "does not believe this is related to terrorism," said FBI spokeswoman Amy Thoreson.